Imprints in Stone [AU]

[Helene Dakesh]

"This one... This one has desires that can never be fulfilled. This one should be happy with what this one can obtain."

[Varric]

"That's rather vague for you." Neutral enough for them to avoid, but hopefully they'll take the chance.

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene looks at their lap. "This one has the body of a child. This one is forever excluded from... Certain aspects of society."

[Varric]

"Certain- oh. Ah. That. Yes." Varric coughs lightly. "I have to admit I assumed you didn't.  Have that, uh, drive I mean. Sorry."

[Helene Dakesh]

"Most assume that. This one is not asexual. This one... Must remain celibate regardless."

[Varric]

"You're right, I shouldn't have assumed you were... were like me. Sorry." Varric shifts awkwardly, then rummages in the basket for a bottle.

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene looks down for a moment before looking up. "This one envies you."

[Varric]

"...not the typical reaction," Varric admits. "Have you... I'm sorry, I- this isn't on you, I'm sex repulsed.  It- it- do you know what..?"

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene nods. "This one is aware. In truth, this one has nothing to tell in that regard anyway. This one never will. Those who are attracted to this one's form are.... Not those this one is willing to associate with."

[Varric]

"Well... You ever try non-humanoids? I mean, I figure dragons, outsiders, and the like probably don't care much about the shell in the first place. Instinctively, I mean, given they don't match anyway... I have no idea,"he mutters akwardly. "I mostly try very hard to not think about this sort of thing."

[Helene Dakesh]

"Cultural taboos against harming young exist across most cultures. It is theorized that it is due to Ciren governing both passion and children."

[Varric]

"What does that have to do with you? You're older than me. So this is about... lust feelings, not morals. If they're already looking past wildly different shapes due to species, your shell being immature might not make it any harder."

[Helene Dakesh]

"Very few feel that way, Varric," they say quietly, leaving off the honorific. They shake their head. "It doesn't matter. This one has received a name. This one can solve the mystery."

[Varric]

"We can- we will- talk this over more later." Varric shakes his head a bit. "Glad to hear you got your lead."

[Helene Dakesh]

"What can this one say? This is... Both our positions are known. This one is too cowardly to take that path regardless. This one is willing to work on ritual magic once the bloodline has been traced, perhaps that can afford some measure of relief, but..."